Petaluma, California – The Petaluma Police Department is proud to announce the service retirement of Senior Officer Eduardo “Ed” Esponda. A graduate of Casa Grande High School, Ed went on to become a United States Marine before joining the Petaluma Police Department January 2, 1995. He has served the Petaluma community with distinction and honor for more than 24 years.
When he joined the force, he was an avid runner, averaging more than 50 miles per week. It probably goes without saying he was able to apprehend every criminal who ever tried to run from him. Seeing Officer Esponda running through the streets of Petaluma is a common sight.
Early in his career, Officer Esponda was recognized for his care and compassion for community members and fellow employees. One of his greatest strengths throughout his career was his natural ability to do what was right, regardless of the circumstances. He took genuine interest in helping others and would often offer words of encouragement to his peers and those he served.
Speaking both English and Spanish, Officer Esponda would use his ability to connect and communicate with people at an even higher level. One of his first commendations came when he rushed into the communications center and helped translate for a Spanish speaking 911 caller reporting an emergency.
His ability to positively influence others with his communications skills earned him an assignment to the Crisis Negotiations Team where he helped de-escalate and peacefully resolve tense situations on patrol as well as during critical emergency incidents.
Officer Esponda was not satisfied with the status quo and he sought opportunities to improve himself and his service to the community. Growing up in Petaluma, he leveraged the relationships he had already developed to build even stronger community trust between the Department and the community we serve. Officer Esponda did not have to learn community policing, he lived it and recognized it was the only way to serve the community as a peace officer. He always gave everyone voice, was neutral, demonstrated dignity and respect, and was always trustworthy and had the goodwill of others in mind before himself.
Officer Esponda voluntarily took on the task of speaking to English as a second language classes taught throughout the community. He provided countless briefing training for officers in emergency Spanish. Because of Officer Esponda community engagement with the Spanish speaking community, many of the English as a second language classes were more well attended than community town hall meetings.
It was not uncommon to see Officer Esponda on foot patrol meeting community members and solving neighborhood problems and quality of life issues. His foot patrols were proactive and addressed crime and traffic safety issues. He was selected as a member of the Bicycle Patrol Team, where he patrolled the city by mountain bike. His ability to patrol without being heard by criminals afforded him many opportunities to detect and deter crime and make excellent arrests.
Officer Esponda realized early on that law enforcement could not simply arrest its way out of social issues and crime. He recognized the importance of mentoring and influencing others to be better. He saw an opportunity to work with our youth in the community by becoming a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Petaluma High School where his service to the student body, faculty, and parents was exceptional. While serving as an SRO, Officer Esponda developed and implemented a Youth Police Academy and a student handbook.
As an SRO, and because he grew up in Petaluma, Officer Esponda became an integral part of the Gang Enforcement Team. To his credit, and that of his peers, the gang problem in Petaluma has been minimized compared to gang activity in neighboring jurisdictions.
His assignment to SRO and gangs led him to take on another assignment as an instructor for the DARE Program. His positive influence on elementary school aged children on important life skills and decision making was far reaching and contributed to the level of public safety in Petaluma for our youth and adult populations.
Regardless of assignment, Officer Esponda always exceeded the expectations of his teammates, supervisors, and managers. After a distinguished seven-year career as a crisis negotiator, he transitioned to the tactical team as a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) operator in 2002 where he would finish out his law enforcement career responding to the most dangerous emergency situations.
Officer Esponda received hundreds of citizen and supervisory commendations. Many referenced every assignment he ever worked. He was nominated and selected multiple times for employee of the quarter. In 1999, he received a Distinguished Service Medal for being selected as Officer of the Year. In 2016 he received a Medal of Bravery and a Medal of Valor for his efforts during a fatal vehicle collision and a confrontation with an armed suspect. In 2017, Officer Esponda received a Unit Citation along with his patrol team for exemplary performance as a team during several high-risk incidents with armed suspects.
Officer Esponda has not only demonstrated selfless service to his country and his community, but his commitment to family is second to none. He has been a trusted and reliable friend, public servant, mentor, instructor, coach, teammate, partner, father, son, and husband to many. His presence within the ranks of the many fine men and women who serve and protect this community will be dearly missed. Our law enforcement organization is better today because of Officer Esponda’s positive influence and his legacy of professionalism, leadership, teamwork, excellence, community, and a winning attitude.
Officer Esponda’s last day of service will be Thursday, October 17th, 2019. Please join me in thanking Senior Officer Eduardo “Ed” Esponda and his family for his service and sacrifice to our community and congratulating him on a well-deserved retirement.
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